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Studio Monitor Pair

March 8th, 2010

Home Recording Studio

With the digital revolution happening in the music world today, it would be a sin to not consider the home recording project as an alternative to big expensive recording studio’s. But the question remains, what should I buy to get started?

First of all you have to decide the appropriate location of your recording studio, it could be a garage, a basement, a living room, or even your bedroom. This question must be answered before you buy anything. If you choose your garage for example, you’ll have to think of maybe soundproofing it, so you’ll have a minimum of control over the reflective sounds coming from the surrounding walls. If it’s in a apartment living room, you’ll have to find ways to reduce the volume coming from your monitors so that you don’t disturb your neighbors.

Second thing to look for is on what medium you are going to record your music on. Will it be on an analog tape machine or a digital system such as a computer? For purist, the analog way is still the better option, for its warmer characteristic and natural compression. But for many, the DAW (digital analog workstation) is the standard of the future. Everything can be replicate in the digital sphere these days, so take the time to decide what medium you will be comfortable with. But as a recommendation and for many, the computer-based recording system is the best bang for the buck on the market right now.

Then the recording chain, everything in it is important, but usually is like a decrescendo in terms of value, as the first to consider and pay attention is inevitably the music quality. Technically if you’re a poor singer or a bad instrumentalist, no microphones, preamps, equalizers or compressors will make your performance sound better, all it will do is alter and modify the original source to some degree, but nothing more. So always try to get the best performance possible, before hitting the record button, Practice,practice and pactice make some good arrangements, write good lyrics, make it enjoyable. Go back to the essence of music.

Let’s first look at the first piece to buy when you decide to record on a digital medium. You’ve possibly heard a lot about soundcards lately, and with the explosion of various models, these digitals recorders can do a pretty professional job if you learn to operate them in a proper way. They can all possibly record in 24 bits 96 kHz and over, so for the recorder hobbyist, it won’t be a problem to find something that’s good an affordable.

Comes next, the choice of microphones, that’s maybe the second most important thing to consider in the signal chain after the performance. All microphones have their own sound and personality, so when buying them, take the time, if possible, to audition as many as possible at your local store, Try to put your own voice or guitar or any instrument in it, and evaluate if you like the sound that comes out. It’s a very subjective area so try to choose accordantly to what your ears like. There’s plenty of models available on the market, but basically you’ll find three types that you should be familiar with: the dynamic, the condenser and the ribbon microphone.

The microphone choice must be based on what your ears favor. Select one like a painter would do with his color palette: experiment and have fun doing it.

Then comes the microphone preamplifier. Mic Preamps boost the signal to a standard line level, which all recorders can then capture easily. It acts like a gain stage for the mic, before it reaches the recorder. These machines can add texture and color to your tracks, like some microphones do. The microphone preamplification subject is a whole world by itself, so I won’t be covering it in details. Let just say that it is an important part of your recording chain and it can take the most out of your mics. Often, as a start, a good mixer with decent preamps will do a pretty satisfying job, and some soundcards companies incorporate thems more and more inside of their products also.

After choosing your mic and preamp setup, there’s one component that you have to purchase if you want to build a good recording studio. I’m talking about the audio monitors. These boxes are your reference for everything that goes in your recording chain, so a well-taken time to buy a good pair is elemental. Studio monitors differ from hi-fi speakers by their flatter response range. They can give you a more realistic image of what’s going on in your recording and mixing process. Hi-fi speakers tend to sweeten the sound to make it pleasant for commercial CDs for example, but lack the precision of what a good pair of near-field monitors can offer. When buying these reference boxes, take the time to go to your local store with your best CDs and try to investigate what you hear. Do they have to much bass, or not enough, do they sound to harsh for example? Try to buy a pair that sounds good for you and that will not create ear fatigue after several hours of listening in your studio.

Finally, you won’t be able to track anything if you don’t have multi-track recording software. This is where you lay down the tracks you’ve recorded. It’s also the place where you edit, arrange and mix your songs. There’s a wide selection of this product on the market, but basically they all do the same things and you’ll find all the basic functions in all of them. If you don’t have the budget for now, you can still find free legal versions on the net, which will respond to your basic needs. Most of these programs come with default FX plug-ins like compressors, reverbs and equalizers that you can use instead of buying the external hardware analog version. There’s also plenty of third parts plug-ins that you can buy or download legally for free, that emulates the real thing.

This resumes what you need to get started with your recording studio project. So let’s recapitulate: first the location of your recording studio: decide where and how, and make adjustments depending of your choice. Then decide if you prefer to go the analog or digital, considering the fact that the computer-based system will be the standard in the near future. If you go digital, choose a soundcard that will correspond to your needs. Start with one or two good microphones, depending of what you record, and combine them with a good preamp or mixer or take the ones that come with your soundcard if there is. Then choose the best studio monitors you can afford. And finally get a multi-track recording software to lay down your tracks, edit and mix them in real-time.

As a final thought, trust your ears when your buying recording equipments, let them be the judge, it will always be your best bet in the long run.

About the Author

Rusty Blue runs a great website where you can listen and compare home recording equipments in waves and mp3 format.
Take a look here GearAudition

Home Recording – Studio Monitor Selection and Placement

NADY 6.5 PASSIVE STUDIO MONITOR – PAIR

Studio Monitors…

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NADY 6.5 POWERED STUDIO MONITOR – PAIR

Powered Studio Monitors…

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Auralex MOPAD Monitor Isolation Pads, Charcoal, 1 pair $36.00

Auralex MoPAD Monitor Isolation Pads provide sonic isolation between your monitors and whatever your monitors are resting on,instantlyimproving the accuracy of your entire monitoring system.No matter how good your mixer, mics, preamps, cables, and other pieces of gear that you’ve invested in, you’re not truly hearing what your recordings sound like until you isolate your monitors from their enviro…

Click here to learn more about Auralex MOPAD Monitor Isolation Pads, Charcoal, 1 pair

Truth B2030A Studio Monitor(pair) $280.99

When it comes to your studio recordings, you want honesty. In fact, considering how important your art is, you should demand it! That’s why BEHRINGER designed the B2030A Reference Monitors to speak nothing but the TRUTH. Oh, they still sound great hooked up to your stereo or your video surround system, but they were really built with the studio in mind – where every note you play or sing is “under…

Click here to learn more about Truth B2030A Studio Monitor(pair)

Truth B2030P Studio Monitor (Pair) $130.99

The Behringer TRUTH B2030P Passive Monitor Pair offer high performance in the studio. Like all members of the TRUTH family, the B2030P includes the same remarkable features through and through. Its sound is clear and neutral, and the state-of-the-art woofer and tweeter can handle up to 100W of power. The unique Behringer wave guide and the extremely low-distortion crossover network produce an abso…

Click here to learn more about Truth B2030P Studio Monitor (Pair)

JBL LSR 4326P Powered Studio Monitor Pair $1098

The JBL LSR4326P Studio Monitors are designed for critical stereo and multichannel audio production applications that require exceptional spectral accuracy and high SPL capability. Exclusive technology from JBL automatically analyzes and corrects the response of each speaker in the room for absolute accuracy in mixing.Acknowledging that much of today's production is carried out in acoustically untreated rooms, the LSR4300 Series are the first professional monitor speakers to combine JBL's Linear Spatial Reference technology and automated RMCTM Room Mode Correction, an onboard system that automatically compensates for low frequency anomalies measured at the mix position. Network and Digital Features The JBL LSR4300 series speakers enhance computer-based audio production by incorporating systemwide volume control, input source selection, individual speaker solo and user EQ. They use the Harman HiQnetTM network protocol that allows centralized control of a multichannel system from any speaker's front panel, wireless remote control, or computer via a standard USB connection and LSR4300 Control Center Software. The network is configured using supplied CAT5 cable and by setting a DIP switch on each speaker. Harman HiQnet also enables synchronized RMC calibration of all speakers on the network.438H Low Frequency Transducer The 6.25" woofer in these JBL speakers uses a powerful, shielded neodymium magnet which can be used in close proximity to CRT-type monitors with no interference. The transducer uses a copper-clad polepiece that improves high frequency output by reducing voice coil inductance. A copper ribbon voice coil ensures high sensitivity, and a flux shorting ring stabilizes the magnetic field in the gap, reducing distortion. Heat sinking has been placed close to the magnetic gap in order to draw out heat as efficiently as possible. The cone is polymer coated for uniformity of response over the woofer's passband. 431G High Frequency Transducer The JBL studio monitor's high frequency transducer has a treated silk diaphragm that produces uniform and smooth sound. Its flat ribbon aluminum voice coil ensures low-moving mass and enables the transducer to achieve response out to 22kHz. A lightweight neodymium magnet structure with integral heat sinking, along with ferrofluid in the magnetic gap, enable the transducer to produce high peak output levels with minimal power compression. The magnet structure is integrally shielded, enabling the system to be used in proximity to CRT-type monitors with no interference. Bi-amplified Power System The JBL LSR4326P monitors incorporate 2 high power amplifiers that provide 150 watts of power to the low frequency transducer and 70 watts of power to the high frequency transducer. A precision digital dividing network having high-order Linkwitz-Riley slope characteristics for smooth transition between transducers, results in exceptional imaging and lack of time smear. The circuitry also yields

Click here to learn more about JBL LSR 4326P Powered Studio Monitor Pair

JBL LSR 4328P Studio Monitor Pair $1439.96

The JBL LSR4300 Series Studio Monitors are designed for critical stereo and multi-channel audio production applications that require exceptional spectral accuracy and high SPL capability. Exclusive technology from JBL automatically analyzes and corrects the response of each speaker in the room for absolute accuracy in mixing.Acknowledging that much of today's production is carried out in acoustically untreated rooms, the LSR4300 Series is the first professional monitor to combine JBL's Linear Spatial Reference technology and automated RMCTM Room Mode Correction, an onboard system that automatically compensates for low frequency anomalies measured at the mix position. The LSR4300 enhances computer-based production by incorporating system-wide volume control, input source selection, individual speaker solo and user EQ. Harman HiQnetTM Network protocol enables centralized system-wide control from any speaker, wireless remote control, or computer using LSR4300 Control Center Software.438H Low Frequency Transducer The 8" woofer utilizes a powerful, shielded lightweight neodymium magnet which can be used in close proximity to CRT-type monitors with no interference. The transducer utilizes a copper-clad polepiece that improves high frequency output by reducing voice coil inductance. A copper ribbon voice coil ensures high sensitivity, and a flux shorting ring stabilizes the magnetic field in the gap, reducing distortion. Heat sinking has been placed close to the magnetic gap in order to draw out heat as efficiently as possible. The cone is polymer coated for uniformity of response over the woofer's passband. 431G High Frequency Transducer The high frequency transducer has a treated silk diaphragm that produces uniform and smooth sound. Its flat ribbon aluminum voice coil ensures low-moving mass and enables the transducer to achieve response out to 22kHz. A lightweight neodymium magnet structure with integral heat sinking, along with ferrofluid in the magnetic gap, enable the transducer to produce high peak output levels with minimal power compression. The magnet structure is integrally shielded, enabling the system to be used in proximity to CRT-type monitors with no interference. Bi-amplified Power System The LSR4328P incorporates 2 high power amplifiers that provide 150 watts of power to the low frequency transducer and 70 watts of power to the high frequency transducer. A precision digital dividing network having high-order Linkwitz-Riley slope characteristics for smooth transition between transducers, results in exceptional imaging and lack of time smear. The circuitry also yields a tonal-artifact-free noise floor. Network and Digital Features The LSR4300 Series utilizes the Harman HiQnetTM network protocol that allows centralized control of a multi-channel system from a from any speaker's front panel, wireless remote control, or computer via a standard USB connection and LSR4300 Control Center Software. The network is configure

Click here to learn more about JBL LSR 4328P Studio Monitor Pair

Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor (120 Watts, 1×8 in.) $349.99

The new HS Series powered monitors were designed to be true studio reference monitors in the tradition of the famous NS10Ms. When choosing your next pair of near field reference monitors, remember it’s not just important that they sound good; they have to be an honest reference for your mix. The new HS Series of reference monitors were designed to give you exceptionally flat response so you can really trust what you hear. That means that mixes that sound good on Yamaha HS speakers will sound good on anything. In fact, that’s the ultimate test of a reference monitor. Even better than that, HS series speakers not only sound good, they look great, too.

Click here to learn more about Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor (120 Watts, 1×8 in.)

Alesis M1 Active 320 USB Black Studio Monitor Pair $99

Alesis M1 Active 320 powered monitor speakers make a lot of sense on your studio desktop and for field recording and other traveling audio engineers. The Alesis monitors connect via USB to your laptop or computer for plug-and-play listening. These compact speakers are equipped with I/O for connecting a keyboard, mic preamp, guitar effects, mixer, and other audio components for easy computer recording.M1 Active 320 monitor speakers deliver 16-bit/44.1-48kHz audio quality through a USB 1.1 port-without the need for special drivers. A Bass Boost switch increases the low-end for monitoring in big spaces. Besides the USB cable, the I/O includes quality 1/4" plugs and standard RCA jacks, a TRS headphone output, two unbalanced 1/4" phone jacks inputs, a stereo 1/8" mini-jack input, and stereo RCA inputs. Another nice benefit is that each monitor speaker is magnetically shielded, so you won't have to worry about placing them near TVs or computers.

Click here to learn more about Alesis M1 Active 320 USB Black Studio Monitor Pair

Behringer TRUTH B2030P Passive Monitor Pair $149.99

The Behringer TRUTH B2030P Passive Monitor Pair offer high performance in the studio. Like all members of the TRUTH family, the B2030P includes the same remarkable features through and through. Its sound is clear and neutral, and the state-of-the-art woofer and tweeter can handle up to 100W of power. The unique Behringer wave guide and the extremely low-distortion crossover network produce an absolutely linear phase response with excellent sound dispersion and stereo imaging.An ultra-linear frequency response from 75Hz-21kHz makes the B2030P ideal not only for conventional stereo mixing but also for integration in multichannel monitoring systems that include a dedicated subwoofer (from conventional 2+1 systems to 7.1 surround systems). Due to its compact dimensions and magnetic shielding, the TRUTH B2130P can be placed near video monitors, computer displays, or digital audio workstations.

Click here to learn more about Behringer TRUTH B2030P Passive Monitor Pair

Ion Audio Desk Rocker USB Studio Monitor Pair $49

The Desk Rocker allows you to enjoy great sounding audio from your computer, or record any external audio source directly to your computer. It's plug-and-play — no special drivers required.The Desk Rocker USB audio system goes beyond standard USB computer speakers. Designed by professional studio musicians, they deliver premium clarity and audio performance.Listen to your music with full range and superb sound quality for accurate audio reproduction. The "Bass Boost" switch enhances low frequencies — great for situations where you want to hear more bottom end.

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Behringer B2030A Active Studio Monitor $299.95

The TRUTH B2030A has all of the great features of an active TRUTH monitor packed in a compact cabinet! It’s a high-resolution, active 2-way reference studio monitor that is perfect for nearfield monitoring applications: from small mixing environments to multi-channel surround setups.

Click here to learn more about Behringer B2030A Active Studio Monitor

Alesis M1 Active 320 USB White Studio Monitor Pair ¹ $99

Alesis delivers pro-grade USB speaker performance to the computer desktop. M1 Active 320 USB speakers enable you to play audio from your computer and record audio coming into the speaker to your computer. Simply plug in the USB cable to your computer—No special drivers required. Alesis M1 Active 320 USB speakers are not only substantial monitor speakers, but also serve as a convenient audio interface. Keyboards, mic pre's, guitar effects, DJ Mixers, or standard CD and tape players can all easily connect directly to the Alesis M1 320 USB speakers. Record them directly into your computer.Full range, superb sound quality insures that you get more accurate audio reproduction to check your mixes. A Bass Boost switch helps emphasize bass frequencies—Great for various room situations where you want to hear more bass emphasis.

Click here to learn more about Alesis M1 Active 320 USB White Studio Monitor Pair ¹

Behringer Monitor 1C Ultra Compact Studio Monitor $49.95

The Monitor 1C 2-way monitor speakers offer accurate sound reproduction combined with a great design to suit your fixed installations, stereo and surround applications, home recording studios as well as audio and video productions.

Click here to learn more about Behringer Monitor 1C Ultra Compact Studio Monitor

Behringer B2030P Passive Studio Monitor $149.95

The TRUTH B2030P is a high-performance passive 2-way studio monitor. Like all members of our TRUTH family, the B2030P includes the same remarkable features through and through. Its sound is clear and neutral, and the state-of-the-art woofer and tweeter can handle up to 100 Watts of power.

Click here to learn more about Behringer B2030P Passive Studio Monitor

Yamaha HS-50M/HS-10W 2.1 Powered Monitor Package $699.99

This monitor speaker system comes with a pair of HS550M powered monitors and a HS10W subwoofer for accurate, compact monitoring in the home or project studio.

Click here to learn more about Yamaha HS-50M/HS-10W 2.1 Powered Monitor Package

Behringer TRUTH B1030A Active Reference Monitor Pair $199.98

Behringer designed the B1030A B1030A Reference Monitor to speak nothing but the TRUTH. When it comes to your studio recordings, you want the kind of honesty these Behringer monitors deliver. B1030A TRUTH Monitors also sound great hooked up to your stereo or your video surround system, but they were really built with studio work in mind—where every note you play or sing is under the microscope.Built on a Legacy Behringer's TRUTH B2030A and B2031A monitors have been so wildly successful that thousands upon thousands of them have been sold to some of the most critical ears on the planet — ears that demand the neutral sound of a true reference monitor. Ask any recording engineer and they will tell you that listening to a recording on just a single set of monitors doesn't always paint an accurate picture of the mix. Since people listen to music at home, in their cars, on MP3 players, etc., it is critical your final mix be heard on as many sizes and types of speakers as possible. That's another reason Behringer created these smaller B1030A monitors — plus they make ideal rear channel speakers for surround sound applications.Years of R&D For the past 2 years Behringer's Research and Development team has been on a mission to create the perfect studio monitor. Since TRUTH B2031A monitors had already become an industry standard, their acoustic engineers decided to start there and see just how far they could push the envelope. They tried a variety of transducers and enclosure designs, along with existing and emerging technologies. When all the dust settled, they chose to deploy an ultra-high resolution 1" dome tweeter and a long-throw 5.25" Kevlar-coned woofer in the B1030A.Why Kevlar? Kevlar has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio — that's one reason it's used in bulletproof vests. Kevlar gives the LF transducer the strength to handle the extremely high-energy levels required for distortion-free, chest-pounding bass. And since they have such low mass, Kevlar speaker cones also respond much more quickly than those made of paper, important for not only maintaining bass content integrity, but critical for midrange accuracy and definition. Behringer's Kevlar transducers reproduce even the subtlest nuance of the low-frequency realm without muddying the midrange.Power to the People It takes quite a bit more than just a bulletproof woofer and a high-tech tweeter stuck inside a fancy box to make a studio monitor of this class. It also takes power — and lots of it. But even more importantly, that power has to be matched to the individual high- and low-frequency transducers. While some companies are content to stick whatever speakers they have on the shelf into haphazardly designed boxes and then strap on a one-size-fits-all amplifier package, Behringer builds every single component from the ground up. They pack 75W of bi-amped technology (including a time- and phase-corrected active crossover) i

Click here to learn more about Behringer TRUTH B1030A Active Reference Monitor Pair

Cakewalk MA-7A Stereo Micro Monitor Pair Black $99

The Cakewalk MA-7A Stereo Reference Monitors are the ideal solution for musicians and computer users who demand the best audio quality possible in a very compact space. The MA-7As are extraordinarily small reference speakers, but are capable of producing incredible sound, uncommon for speakers of such a compact size. These monitor speakers are perfect for desktop use, where space is of the utmost consideration.The MA-7As feature a built-in Bass Enhancer, which operates on psychoacoustic principles that converts low frequencies into a series of overtones the human ear cannot distinguish from the original low frequencies. This allows the listener to perceive bass frequencies outside of the normal range of the speaker cone, without overdriving the woofer. With the Bass Enhancer, the MA-7As provide a strong low-end in a very compact set of reference speakers. In addition the MA-7A monitor speaker's offer a Sub Out port to connect a subwoofer.The MA-7As offer conveniently placed Volume and Tone controls. Adjust the volume and tone directly from the front of the speaker. While a large studio setup typically uses a mixer to control output level to the speakers, compact desktop setups can rarely afford the space a mixer requires. This is not an issue with these Cakewalk monitors. You can adjust your output volume and tone on the front of the speaker.You can also connect two different sources directly into the MA-7A speakers, allowing you to listen to audio from any two line-level sources. For example, you can have both your computer and your stereo connected to the MA-7As.You can also plug headphones directly into the MA-7As. Plugging in headphones automatically mutes the speakers, allowing you to mix without disturbing others, and without having to disconnect anything in your setup.The MA-7As are also magnetically shielded, allowing you to use them in close proximity to your computer monitor without interference.

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Behringer B2031P Passive Studio Monitor $179.95

Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed TRUTH B2031 active monitors, the passive B2031P 2-way studio reference monitor is for those who already have a high-quality amplifier. The B2031P delivers very neutral sound, has an extremely flat frequency response (55 Hz – 21 kHz) and can handle up to 150 Watts of power.

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RaXXess ERSS36 Studio Monitor Stands $124.95

These monitor stands are ideal for any studio and are constructed of 3/4″ furniture grade hardboard, finished in a black oak laminate. The speaker platform and base are 12″ square. The bottom is easily removed to allow the 5″ center post to be filled with bagged sand for acoustical de-coupling. Sold in pairs, these stands are shipped knocked down in one box and assemble in minutes.

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American Recorder (ART) Studio Monitor Speaker Stand Pair Maple $119.99

Gasket-sealed steel pillars are sandwiched between stylish and dense wooden panels. The pillars can be sand or shot filled for the ultimate in stability and anti-resonance. Included with the stands are carpet spikes, vinyl glide feet, cable clips, and an assembly tool. Limited lifetime warranty.

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Ultimate MS-36B2 36 Studio Monitor Stand (Pair) Black $199.99